This as recent conflicts have highlighted how unmanned systems are increasingly used for surveillance, precision strikes, psychological operations and the neutralisation of explosive threats, allowing militaries and armed groups to maintain continuous operational pressure while conserving expensive munitions.
Khaled briefed on proposal for combat drone development
April 15, 2026
Source: New Straits Times
KUALA LUMPUR: Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin was briefed today on a proposal to develop a National Combat Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS).
Khaled said the proposal was presented during a courtesy visit by a Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) delegation led by its deputy vice-chancellor, Professor Dr Ali Selamat.
"The initiative aims to develop a locally designed combat drone capability while strengthening Malaysia's aerospace ecosystem through the integration of domestic expertise, foreign technology and strategic collaboration with friendly nations.
"I also highlighted that in a recent meeting with the Iranian ambassador, there was readiness from Iran to explore cooperation in unmanned systems technology, which could support efforts to accelerate the development of national strategic capabilities," he said in a Facebook post.
Khaled added that the proposal aligns with the National Defence Industry Policy (NDIP), which seeks to reduce dependence on foreign systems, expand local research and development, enhance technology transfer and strengthen self-reliant defence capabilities.
The New Straits Times previously reported that drone technology is redefining warfare, enabling combatants to sustain pressure on adversaries.
